USD 232 Parents as Teachers program earns Blue Ribbon affiliation

The USD 232 Board of Education heard a recognition and overview of the district’s Parents as Teachers home-visiting program Wednesday after the program was named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate by the Parents as Teachers National Center.

The designation, which the Parents as Teachers National Center awarded after a review process, marks USD 232’s program as meeting an affiliate model of home visiting and parent support for children from birth to kindergarten. “To earn the Blue Ribbon Affiliate status, the district program underwent a rigorous study and a review process,” the district said during the recognition.

Why it matters: Staff told the board the program supports families before children enter kindergarten and connects families to developmental and health screenings and community resources, which district presenters said improves early-childhood outcomes.

Program details presented: Elizabeth Durkin, Parents as Teachers coordinator for USD 232, said last year the program served 91 families and 129 children; staff conducted 669 home visits and held about 70 group events. Durkin said staff identified 66 potential developmental delays through screenings. “We serve kids birth all the way up to kindergarten and their families within our school district,” Durkin told the board, describing home visits, group connections, developmental screenings and resource referrals as program services.

District context: The Kansas State Department of Education serves as the state office for Parents as Teachers in Kansas and supports local programs, the district noted. The Blue Ribbon status will remain in effect for five years; USD 232 has previously received the distinction.

Action taken: The recognition was presented during the board’s "good news" segment; no board action was required.